Palestine-Israel hostage crisis can end peacefully

China's envoy to the Middle East said on Friday that it is still possible to peacefully settle the Palestine-Israel hostage crisis.

"There is a glimmer of hope for the hostage issue to be tackled peacefully as long as the hostage is alive," said China's Middle East envoy Sun Bigan, who on Friday gave a briefing on his just-concluded visit to Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Palestine.

"Attempting to resolve the crisis through military attacks will never work," said Sun, who has acted as China's Middle East envoy since April.

China opposes kidnapping and assassination, Sun said. "China has urged Palestine to ensure the safety of the hostage and release him as soon as possible."

During his Middle East trip, Sun also urged Israel to exercise calm and restraint and not to escalate the situation.

Palestinian militants kidnapped 19-year-old Corporal Gilad Shalit on June 25 during a deadly attack on an Israeli army post near the Gaza border, sparking the latest crisis between the Israel and Palestine.

Israel launched operation "Summer Rain" on June 28 after two days of international mediation failed to secure the release of Cpl. Gilad Shalit.

In the wake of the raid, Israeli troops entered the Gaza Strip in the largest incursion into the coastal area since Israel pulled out forces and settlers last summer following a 38-year occupation.

Israel had closed Gaza's borders and sent tanks, troops and aircraft to the Gaza Strip over the past few days in a bid to press Palestinian militants to free the Israeli soldier.

The Palestinian militants have demanded that Israel release Palestinian prisoners in exchange for prisoners held by Israel. They have set Tuesday as the deadline.

Israel has rejected the ultimatum, saying it would not give in to blackmail.

Source: Xinhua